Turkey: Mount Ararat Climb (7 days)

Mount Ararat is a snow-capped, dormant volcanic cone and the highest mountain in Turkey (5,137m). Its summit is located 16 kms west of Iran and 32kms south of the Armenian border. Biblical accounts narrate that this is the place where Noah's Ark came to rest. The climbing season is from June to September (July and August are the best months).

Climbing Turkey's highest mountain is a unique experience, as it offers you the opportunity to explore one of the world’s rarest beauty spots, located within a culturally fascinating region.

Trip Highlights:

Get ready to:

- Climb Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest mountain and the legendary final resting place of Noah’s Ark.

- Experience the wild, breathtaking landscape of South-East Turkey.

- Hone your basic self-arrest, ice-axe, and crampon-use skills.

- Explore a culturally fascinating region that remains untouched by the tourist hordes.

Facts:

·       Level: Challenging.

·       Activities: Trekking/hiking; Climbing.

·       Duration: 7 days.

Difficulty analysis

Hiking to the top of Mount Ararat does not require any technical climbing skills, but one should know basic self-arrest and be comfortable with the use of ice-axe and crampons, since snow is expected in the last 200 m of altitude.

Also, great physical shape is required this is a high-altitude climb (above 5000 m). There will be an average of 5-7 hours of hiking per day for several consecutive days, while, at the same time, the increasing altitude will affect one’s breathing, fatigue levels, eating habits and sleep quality (oxygen in the air decreases as one comes closer to the top). Finally, as always, the summit day is expected to be particularly long, around 7-10 hours.

To further assist you in understanding whether you are fit enough to participate in this adventure, Rahhalah’s expert team will assess your fitness levels before your registration and, once you register, will help you prepare a training routine to guarantee the success of your trip.

Our operation:

·       Rahhalah’s ground handlers and local guides are highly experienced and skilled, with the ability to smoothly facilitate and manage your days on the mountain, making your Ararat climb successful, memorable and enjoyable.

·       Our itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). The higher the altitude, the less the oxygen in the air. Your body needs some time to adapt to this thin air environment, so, for a safe trek, it is absolutely essential to allow enough time for acclimatization while gaining altitude.

Sustainability:

·       We run a low impact operation, and we leave no traces behind, contributing to the protection of the local land, its people, and culture.

·       All our local guides and staff are appropriately employed and adequately equipped. Also, we make extensive use of local products and, thus, maximize the economic benefits for the local communities.

·       As you possibly know, 1% of our revenue is directed towards the support of a local cause. This is our pay-back promise.